Running is an effective way to get some exercise in, lose weight, and level up your fitness game. Although many people tend to use some form of cardio in training, running often gets a bad rap in bodybuilding. In a recent YouTube video, fitness influencer Tom Morley shared results after he took on the challenge of running 5 kilometers for 30 days straight.
When it comes to bodybuilding, weight training usually takes priority over everything else as it helps build muscle through resistance and hypertrophy. Cardio is another essential element of most training programs to ensure progress and gains.
From brisk walking to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), there are several ways of doing cardio based on your needs. Regular cardio training may help boost fat loss and strengthen heart health. Since it helps burn calories, there’s a fear of losing muscle among those looking to pack on the pounds. While many practice low-intensity cardio, other more challenging forms like running often get neglected due to similar concerns.
In Aug. 2022, social media sensations Buff Dudes embarked on a mission to run 10k every day for 30 days in a row. The brothers did not change their weight training regimen and simply added cardio workouts on top of their usual sessions. By the time the 30 days were over, the duo reported positive results and lost a pound each. They disproved the myth that running would cut down muscle mass and instead showed how it benefits health.
Timing your cardio sessions are another hot topic. Doing cardio in a fasted state has gained a ton of popularity for its fat-burning benefits over the last few years. Bodybuilder Hunter Labrada argued that fasted cardio is not optimal and recommends doing it post-workout to maximize the results while in prep for contests.
Legendary bodybuilder Jay Cutler gave his take on the best ways to do cardio earlier this month. He encouraged his fans to incorporate cardio sessions either first thing in the morning or after weight training. He also stressed the importance of prioritizing training above all else.
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Man Shows results of running 5k for 30 days straight
In a recent YouTube video, Tom Morley shared his experience of running 5 kilometers every day for 30 days in a row.
He clocked in at 33 minutes on the first day. His performance continued to decline due to his body experiencing more stress and pain. Eventually, he got used to it and recorded a new PR of 28:02 in his third week. However, he was forced to quit the challenge after suffering a broken leg.
Having done the routine for 22 days, Morley reported losing nine pounds and improving by about five minutes. He did not get the chance to complete the challenge this time but will attempt again once he’s recovered fully from the broken leg.
“I know it’s going to be a hard challenge, and I know I’m gonna want to quit at times, but if I can give it my all, if I can throw everything into this, I really think I can do it,” he continued. “Unfortunately, getting a bit slower each day was the pattern for about a week. The pain just got so bad in my calves and my knees obviously because I hadn’t been doing this level of intensity interns of cardio probably ever. My legs were starting to struggle with that.”
“It’s just so annoying when you try so hard and put so much time and so much energy into something and then something like this happens and it completely kills it.”
Morley’s detailed account of running every day will educate fitness enthusiasts on what they can expect if they try it out for themselves. While he initially intended to make the run for 30 days straight, an injury sidelined him for the time being. Nevertheless, the results of just 22 days is quite impressive.